Frederique Constant Goes Gold with the Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar

Frederique Constant and affordable haute horology go hand-in-hand, to the point where if you see a classical looking tourbillon or perpetual calendar that you can actually afford, there’s a good chance it’s one of theirs. And while their latest doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the new Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar in gold makes as big a splash as ever.

There are actually three new versions of the Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar this year, but while two of them are simple colour swaps, the black and gold version elevates things. Now that that 40mm case is made from solid, polished gold.

I put the emphasis there on polished because the yellow gold case is indeed very shiny. In some ways it suits the classically sculpted, fluted crown case, but on the wrist I found it a bit too much. It feels like it’s trying a bit too hard, like it’s actually PVD or something. Fortunately, the newfound heft throws that potential out the window.

The more overt approach to luxury continues through to the dial, now in black onyx and gold. As with previous Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar models, you have months and leap years at 12 o’clock, days at 9 o’clock and date at 3, all on subdials. At 6 o’clock is the seemingly requisite moon phase, here looking better than ever with the high contrast of the gold against black.

It all certainly feels luxurious, although I’d love to see it was a bit more understatement, perhaps with a silver or anthracite dial rather than black (which would also drop the price a touch), definitely with a more matte case. But there’s no denying that there’s a lot of watch here for your money, which we’ll get onto.

Inside is the FC-776 calibre automatic movement, Frederique Constant’s weekend proof, 72-hour power reserve boasting, accessible perpetual calendar. Don’t expect Poinçon de Geneve-level finishing here, but it’s still a gorgeous movement.

So, price. The Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar will set you back £27,295. That’s a lot more than the handsome new steel models, which clock in at £8,695 (so £18,600 less). But given the price of gold these days, that level of increase makes a lot of sense.

Compared to other perpetual calendars out there, this is still a value proposition, and compared to other perpetual calendars in gold (with a stone dial no less), this 37-piece limited edition is a steal. I just wish I could get over that shine.

More details at Frederique Constant.